How about a thank you, park service?

In the Poconos, there are two places you are most likely to find tourists: ski resort chairlift lines in the winter, and paddling down the Delaware River in the summer.

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poconorecord.com

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Posted Apr. 27, 2013 at 12:01 AM

Posted Apr. 27, 2013 at 12:01 AM

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In the Poconos, there are two places you are most likely to find tourists: ski resort chairlift lines in the winter, and paddling down the Delaware River in the summer.

That is why river access is a big deal around here.

Get on the river, and you will find a party.

Single boaters, couples, families, and large flotillas of church groups, summer campers and college buddies all come to spend a few hours, a day, or even an overnight stay boating on the river.

When the National Park Service announced the closing of, among other sites, Milford Beach, including the beach, picnic area, boat launch, canoe access, parking lot and trailhead to the McDade Recreational Trail, there was a backlash by canoe liveries and some tourism-dependent businesses.

NPS had planned to close the beach as part of federal sequestration budget cuts.

Kinder Morgan Public Affairs Director Allen Fore mentioned in a letter to park Superintendent John Donahue that the donation was worked out with the "coordination with Governor Tom Corbett, Congressman Tom Marino, the National Park Service, the Pike County Commissioners and others."

Of course it's a public relations move by the pipeline company, which has faced criticism in Pike County from a vocal group of environmentalists opposed to drilling for the gas that flows through Kinder Morgan's pipeline.

Similarly, the Arbor Day trees Kinder Morgan donated for planting at Delaware Valley Elementary School this week were feel-good moves.

Not that there is anything wrong with that.

Why complain if a company uses some of its money to benefit the public?

But the NPS has been silent about the donation.

Phone calls and emails asking about it were not returned to the Pocono Record this week.